User:RekonDog/Marine Air-Ground Task Force Reconnaissance

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See also: United States Marine Corps Special Operations Capable Forces
For article posted on public domain, see United States Marine Air-Ground Task Force Reconnaissance.
USMC Amphib Recon
USMC Amphib Recon

The United States Marine Air-Ground Task Force reconnaissance, or Marine Reconnaissance assets are used by Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) commanders to collect intelligence for preliminary planning of the battlespace. All Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) elements uses its own unique reconnaissance capabilities; the Aviation Combat Element (ACE) utilizes aerial reconnaissance, but the Command Element (CE) and the Ground Combat Element (GCE) operate in combined amphibious/ground reconnaissance.

Many of the reconnaissance missions may range from passive recon, which stealth is more implied, to the more aggressive reconnaissance-in-force (RIF). Passive surveillance includes systematically watching an enemy force or named area of interest; listening to an area and the activities in it to help develop intelligence needed to confirm or deny estimated threat course of action; or identifying threat critical vulnerabilities and limitations.

MAGTF only has one reconnaissance asset assigned to the Command Element, the force reconnaissance companies. However, the Ground Combat Element has substantial organic reconnaissance support assets. Any units in contact with the enemy, especially patrols, are among the most reliable sources of information. Combat engineers are also good sources of information. These engineer units often conduct Engineer reconnaissance of an area and can provide detailed reporting on lines of communications; i.e., roads, rivers, railroad lines, bridges, and obstacles to maneuver.

MAGTF Assets[edit]

Division-level[edit]

Main article: Marine Division Reconnaissance

The Marine Corps's Division Reconnaissance conduct reconnaissance in close operations to gather enemy intelligence at the division staff-level. The mission of division reconnaissance is to provide immediate tactical ground reconnaissance and surveillance to the Ground Combat Element of MAFTF. Like force recon, division recon is employed to observe and report on enemy activity and other information of military significance. However, division reconnaissance does not insert units by parachute.[1]

In contrast to the contrast to the force recon asset, division reconnaissance mainly do not operate in deep operations but have a Deep Recon Platoon that are used solely for this purpose. While FMF Recon is supporting the MAFTF in special reconnaissance and direct action missions, the division recon supports the regiments with amphibious and ground reconnaissance. Many of the recon Marines in the division that are to operate in close recon have no need in parachutists, unlike their deep recon counterparts. Although some Marines do however get to receive airborne, or other advanced training, if available.

Force-level[edit]

Main article: Fleet Marine Force Reconnaissance

The Force Reconnaissance companies report to the Command Element of the MAGTF.[1] They are used for retaining any information that are held in deep operations under conventional warfare. They are very proficient in various entry and recovery methods in heliborne and waterborne techniques to insert behind enemy lines either by High-Altitute/Low (or High) Opening parachute landings; or combatant diving in submarine surface and subsurface methods. This ensures they achieve and maintain stealth in order to avoid compromising their mission. The Fleet Marine Force's detachable platoons can operate independently from the support Marine Expeditionary Units if needed, making them special operations "capable" in forward-operated areas.

Because the division reconnaissance assets are heavily tasked in providing regiment commanders vital information; the force commander's intelligence staff are able to make the necessary preparations or changes in the future, shaping the battlespace. It is mainly due because the division-level intelligence may not be retrieved at a fast pace for adjusting the needs of the force commander. Also, force-level reconnaissance is retained under the direct control of the force commander, enabling him to send his force recon assets at his will. This may include non-reconnaissance avenues, such as direct action operations under the commander's proposal; the same methods performed by the more-'unconventional' special operations forces of USSOCOM.

Mission[edit]

Reconnaissance forces are a valuable asset to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force when the MEF Commander is faced with uncertainty in the battlefield. Reconnaissance provides timely intelligence to Command for battlespace shaping, allowing the MAGTF to act, and react, to changes in the battlefield.[2] While Marine reconnaissance assets may operate in specialized missions, they are unlike the unconventional SOCOM's forcescounterparts. Both division and force are solely reserved for supporting the infantry, which are directly involved in the commander's force of action in the battlefield, or battlespace shaping.[3]

Many of the types of reconnaissance missions that are conducted by Marine Recon units are characterized by deep penetrations. This greatly increases the mission time, risk, and support coordination needs. Division reconnaissance are in charge of the commander's Area of Influence, the close and distant battlepace; force reconnaissance are employed farther in the deep battlespace, or the Area of Interest.

Training[edit]

Before anyone is able try-out for Reconnaissance, those candidates must consider the prerequisites and adhere to the following:

Selection[edit]

The preliminary steps of making a Marine into a qualified Reconnaissance Marine starts at the recon selection, or screening board, regardless it be either radio recon, scout snipers, division recon, or force recon. The screening process are used to test potential recon candidates in their combat swimming skills, physical stamina and endurance. The screening board is a 48-hour event that is held on the last Thursday of each month at either MCB Camp Pendleton or MCB Camp Lejeune; the FMF Reconnaissance and all the organic division reconnaissance assets conduct their own distinct selection process from aside from each other. Force Recon held their screening board at Camp Horno and near Las Flores on Camp Pendleton.

If failed, the Marines are highly encouraged to try-out the screening process again later if they wished. Any candidate may also voluntarily dropout at any time during the screening process and retake the test later. Multiple screening attempts are common before succeeding. The only uniqueness between both recon asset's indoc screening, the division recon Marines had to retake the FMF Recon's indoc if they were to take the subtle change, regardless of their qualifications.

Because Marines are amphibious by nature, the candidates proceed to the pool where they perform combat water aerobics. Beginning with a 25-meter underwater swim, the candidates also must conduct deep water rifle retrieval. Determining on which is performing the screening, the mock rifle may be either a rubber model of the service rifle, called the "rubber duck" or even concrete center blocks were are sometimes used instead; which was frequented by the FMF Recon's selection board on occassion. The candidates would then have to carry the concrete block to the surface and swim it to a designated spot.

Next is the 25-foot tower jump with full combat gear, followed by 30-minutes of treading water. Futher water combat skills are imposed also, such as the five-minute flotation with trousers and a timed 500-meter swim. After the pool screening is completed, the candidates run in formation down to the red course to perform a physical fitness test. They are required to obtain a 1st Class score of 285 or higher.

The next day, the candidates run the Obstacle Course few times. The Marines conducting the indoctrination evaluation base the candidates on their effort method of attempting the "O" Course, and not by how fast they complete it. After the "O" Course, the last event in the selection and screening board ends with the recon candidates being tasked to run with a "ruck sack" and a "rubber duck." A ruck sack is a field pack containing a 50-lbs. sand bag. They are expected to maintain a pace of four- to five-miles per hour. The Division Recon demands the candidates to run an 8-mile concourse, the FMF Recon however demanded an additional 10-mile "boots and utes" rack sack run over the hills of Las Flores and down along the beach. Failure to maintain this pace results in the candidate being dropped. Once the recon Marine candidates passes all the physical and evaluation tests, they are given a psychological screening test and an interview.

If they are deemed fit to continue training, they will then be interviewed by the recon command's staff whether it be Force Recon or Division Recon; the officers are interviewed by the company commander, the enlisted Marines are interviewed by the company sergeant major and other staff non-commissioned officers. If were given permission to start their initial training to become recon Marines, they proceed to the indoctrination program.

Indoctrination[edit]

USMC Combatant Diving Badge, 2006-present

Before 2004, all the potential recon Marine candidates were placed in Recon Indoctrination Platoons, or RIP. In RIP, the candidates are given further training in patrolling, amphibious reconnaissance, communications and land orientation which warmed-up the Marines before attending the rigorous and demanding Basic Reconnaissance Course. It was considered to the Marines' equivalent of "Hell Week".[4] Sometimes Marines in RIP would remain in the platoon for weeks or possibly months; until there is are openings for the BRC.

Since the Marine Corps didn't receive the appropriated funds to build the proper training facilities that would accomondate the recon Marines' specialized training, the Corps opted to use the Army's and Navy's training functions instead. It led to complication because the Marine training liaisons had to set up training agendas to meet the cross-service schools' class schedules. It has been known to take weeks or months, depending on the training quota that was able to be met.

However, due to changes made recently, Marines who wish to join the reconnaissance community must first complete the School of Infantry's Rifleman Course prior to being assigned to the 'Marines Awaiting Recon Training' (MART) platoon. Nonetheless, both the RIP and MART were designed to prepare the recon candidates for the upcoming Basic Reconnaissance Course (BRC), which introduces them to the amphibious reconnaissance community.

Accession Pipeline[edit]

For detailed "Training" section of individual units, see Marine Division Recon and FMF Reconnaissance.
USN SCUBA Diver Badge, 1980-2006

The Accession Pipeline is a series of schools that the Marines attend before being assigned their designated reconnaissance MOS. It may take one or two schools, or it may take several, before they are fully qualified in their described job field. Usually it will take one to 1.5-years in training a fully qualified recon operator. Since the Marine Corps lacks the facilities, they usually resort their training on other cross-service schools.

The primary focus of qualifications for Marines to be fully functional as a Reconnaissance Man, MOS 0321. To obtain the designation of designation of MOS 0321, Reconnaissance Man, they must attend the Basic Reconnaissance Course (BRC). The BRC is required to complete for both recon Marine assets of Division and Force Recon.

For those recon Marines that completed and qualified the Basic Airborne Course retains a secondary 'Special "B"' MOS of 8652, "Reconnaissance Man, Parachutist Qualified". And for those recon Marines that completed the USMC Combatant Diver Course, the secondary MOS 8653, "Reconnaissance Man, Combatant Diver Qualified". Above all, having both qualifications, the MOS 8654, "Reconnaissance Man, Parachutist and Combatant Diver Qualified" is implied.

Normally, the division reconnaissance assets do not have a large portion of parachute and diver qualified recon Marines, but does have some designated by the division commanders if situation permits.[4] The FMF's recon operators, however, are required to obtain the secondary MOS 8654. Since they are required to insert more deep into the battlespace by parachute or submarine insertions.[5]

Another requisite is that they also must complete the Level "C" of the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) School. Level "C" SERE is a course intended for high risk personnel that is carrying top secret compartmented information and is of high risk capture.

Advanced Training[edit]

USN/USMC Parachutist Badge

When slots become available and the FMF budget permits it, the recon Marines of both the division and force may attend other advanced courses from cross-service schools. These schools may not be required but many of the recon Marines request approval from the company commander to become students for further training.[5]

Here are the following schools that are attended, if available:

* required for Force Reconnaissance.

History[edit]

Marine Amphib Recon "Jack" patch
For individual history of FMF and division recon, see VAC Amphib Recon Battalion and Scout (Tank) and Sniper Company.
See also: FLEX 4

Reconnaissance in the Marine Corps was first tested in the fourth series of the Fleet Landing Exercises in the Caribbean Islands between the 1920-1930s. The Fleet Marine Force was testing the conceptual methods that were written by Major Dion Williams, for evaluation in establishing an amphibious reconnaissance doctrine for the Marine Corps. By 1941, the Observer Group was established and it later formed into the FMF Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion before the end of World War II. While the FMF Amphib Recon Battalion was deactivated, the Division Recon companies still continued to use and upgrade methods of amphibious reconnaissance.

Throughout the Pacific theater, the scout and sniper platoons were established with the Marine divisions. Not before long, some of the divisions began to send their scouts out by riding on tanks; for faster mobility and added firepower. The Scout and Sniper companies, minus the reinforced mechanized armor, later formed the Division Recon Battalions and the Scout/Snipers Platoons of today. The mechanized scouts within the Tank Battalions also later amalgamated into the present Light Armored Reconnaissance units.

It wasn't long before the heliborne methods were introduced to the way of deploying recon Marines out into the battlefield. A recon test platoon from the Marine Corps Test Unit #1 experimented in various parachute insertions for deeper reconnaissance and pathfinding. The arrival of the rebreathers also changed the way the recon Marines would see combatant diving.

When the force recon companies were established, it allowed the Fleet Marine Force commanders to obtain information quicker than the slower, processed intelligence that were provided by the division recon platoons, which went through each of the battalion's, regiment's, and division's intelligence sections before reaching the force level. However, like the fate of the Marine Raiders and the Paramarines of World War II, 1st and 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company were disbanded to make way for the Fleet Marine Force's 'first' unconventional asset that was created within the new Marine Special Operations Command.

General Equipment[edit]

All amphib recon Marines and Corpsmen are provided general issued equipment, these are the weapons that are generally used by both MAGTF Recon assets. These weapons are the weapons that are generally used by most other Marines in the infantry, except with minor modifications. Although, Force Recon units receive the same equipment as its division recon counterparts, they also has similar equipment that are issued to comparable USSOCOM units. Force Recon are assigned to missions more farther from any available fire support, they fully rely on specialized weapons that are versatile enough to be make them flexible in the commander's area of interests.

Weapons[edit]

Combat and protective gear[edit]

The combative and protective gear are used by both recon assets of MAFTF. However, again, there are 'additional' equipment in the Force Recon's T/E to meet their assigments in deep operations and/or direct action missions. And to include FORECON's necessary equipment that are capable of being jumped out of aircraft; and long-range communications due to their operability at greater distances than Division Recon geographically-assigned boundaries.

Marines wearing the full combat gear
  • Load Bearing Vest (LBV) — The vest could be the current standard-issue, second-generation, MOLLE Fighting Load Carrier vest (FLC) or the late 1980s to early 1990s IIFS non-modular load bearing vest (LBV-88). The latter is more popular for durability. An operator may also use a third-party LBV, and chestrigs are popular.
  • Rucksack — A large backpack for items accessed less often. Marines have publicly voiced a preference for ALICE packs, introduced in 1974, over the newer MOLLE packs, but individual operators may buy third-party packs which surpass both products in durability. The MOLLE packs were replaced by the Arc'teryx-designed IBLE.
  • First aid kit — A personal-sized first aid kit that is carried usually fastened onto webbing of the rucksack or personal vest carrying system.
  • Tactical knee pads and elbow pads — For protection comfort as Marines move into various firing positions.
  • Boots — Equipment-bearing hiking boots or specialized hiking shoes.
  • Combat Helmet and tactical goggles — MICH Helmet or other Kevlar helmets
  • NOMEX balaclava — A hood with a large opening for the eyes. NOMEX is a flame retardant fabric developed post-Korean War for use by aircraft pilots that has since been found useful for many other applications.
  • Ballistic vest — Interceptor Body Armor. Marine Corps's Modular Tactical Vest (MVT)

Mission-essential[edit]

Recon Marines training with the Draeger LAR V rebreather.
For weapons used by Force Reconnaissance operators, see Force Reconnaissance § Equipment.

Most of the recon patrols or insertions are either in maritime, amphibious environments or on the ground. They have to rely on equipment that is essential to their mission. Both recon assets contain a Table of Equipment (T/E) that has combatant diving equiqment.

Force Recon's Parachute Loft, or Paraloft section has in addition to their "mission-essential" equipment, the Parachutist Individual Equipment Kit (PIEK) and Single Action Release Personal Equipment Lowering Equipment (SARPELS) for their parachute capabilities.

Combatant Diving[edit]

The SCUBA equipment listed under the T/E set by the US Navy for the Marine Corps reconnaissance:

  • Draeger LAR V rebreather unit — The rebreather unit is a SCUBA system that scrubs exhaled carbon dioxide and recyles it into breathable nitrogen/oxygen mixed gas. Since it is closed-circuit, no trail of air bubbles protrude to the water surface, giving away their stealthly insertion; compromising their mission.
  • Deep See Squeeze Lock Knife, (Titanium) — Useful when snagged in fishing nests or other submerged entanglements alike, when swimming underwater are almost non-visible.
  • Aqua-lung Military Snorkel Flex Tube — Standard-issued snorkel.
  • Aqua-lung Rocket Fin — Standard-issued fins.
  • Aqua-lung Look Mask and Mythos Mask — Standard-issued goggles/mask. Mythos mask contains a blow-out, one-way valve at the nosal piece to expel water that is in the goggles.
  • Diver's Weight Belt, (WB67/WB68) — Weight belt is used to level bouyancy under the water.
  • Case Soft Diving Weights, (Sep-M-2/Sep-M-5) — Additional weights that can be released individually to proper bouyant level.
  • Scubapro twin jet fins — Split-fins are fairly new to the Marine Corps T/E, since 2000. They have been tested to prove that the split-fin design allows slightly better manueverability if one had to immediately run during unexpected enemy contact once hitting the beach. It also has excellent water propulsion to push the recon Marines and Corpmen to shore.
  • Aqua Lung Impulse 2 Snorkel — This snorkel contains a one-way valve, so that water will not re-enter the snorkel into the diver's mouth.
  • UDT life preserver — Standard-issued life preserver.

Organic Support[edit]

Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman[edit]

Main article: United States Navy Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman

The Amphib Recon Corpsmen are navy combat medics that are trained in every aspect in the Marine Corps reconnaissance community. They provide advanced life support skills to casualties that are associated in underwater diving and parachute injuries, and hazards of the maritime and amphibious environments. The independent duty corpmen (IDC) are assigned to the independently operated FMF Reconnaissance companies, as the Special Amphib Recon Corpmen, or SARCs.

Counter-battery Radar Platoon[edit]

Main article: Counter-battery radar

Counter-battery Radar (CBR) platoons are located within the headquarters battery of the artillery regiment. The CBR Platoon's primary mission is to locate enemy rocket, mortar, and artillery weapons and process all acquired enemy locations in a timely manner for counter-fire and intelligence purposes. Secondary missions that can be assigned by the supported artillery unit are adjusting or registering artillery. They are normally employed as a unit and controlled by the regimental artillery commander. The CBR platoon commander coordinates the employment of radars operating under regimental control. Information on enemy order of battle and locations derived from counter-battery radar detections are reported to the Ground Combat Element and the Command Element of MAGTF.

Light Armored Reconnaissance[edit]

Main article: Light Armored Reconnaissance

The division Light Armored Reconnaissance battalions provides the Ground Combat Element with its light armored reconnaissance capability by operate in forward areas or along the flanks of Marine ground forces. Initially, they are usually used to provide early warning of contant by hostile forces, acting as the 'mechanized' reconnaissance-in-force, but they are capable of a wide variety of missions due to their inherent mobility and organic firepower; such as quick reaction forces, and counter-insurgency support.

Radio Reconnaissance Platoon[edit]

Main article: Radio Reconnaissance Platoon

The Radio Reconnaissance Platoons provides ground-based signals intelligence, electronic warfare, communications security monitoring, and special intelligence communications capability to support MAGTF operations. It plans and coordinates the employment of its subordinate elements, to include radio reconnaissance elements beyond the Forward Edge of Battle Area and mobile electronic warfare support system in light armored vehicles. It is the focal point for MAGTF ground-based signals intelligence operations. They are also used to augment the Force Recon platoons in proving communications relay, when the force recon assets are unavailable.

Scouts/Snipers Platoon[edit]

See also: Scout/Sniper and Surveillance and Target Acquisition

Scout/Sniper platoons are organic collection support assets to each infantry battalion. They are highly skilled in marksmanship, reconnaissance and surveillance, and target acquisition. Every Marine Scout/Sniper can deliver long-range precision fire on selected targets from concealed positions Although the platoon can be employed in support of a myriad of tactical missions in defensive and offensive operations, they are primarily employed to provide timely surveillance and tactical data and coordinate supporting arms and close air support. The scout-sniper platoon provides the infantry battalion with extended area observation. The Scout/Sniper may be attached to the division and FMF reconnaissance companies.

Notes[edit]

Creed[edit]

Realizing it is my choice and my choice alone to be a Reconnaissance Marine, I accept all challenges involved with this profession. Forever shall I strive to maintain the tremendous reputation of those who went before me.

Exceeding beyond the limitations set down by others shall be my goal. Sacrificing personal comforts and dedicating myself to the completion of the reconnaissance mission shall be my life. Physical fitness, mental attitude, and high ethics -- The title of Recon Marine is my honor.

Conquering all obstacles, both large and small, I shall never quit. To quit, to surrender, to give up is to fail. To be a Recon Marine is to surpass failure; To overcome, to adapt and to do whatever it takes to complete the mission.

On the battlefield, as in all areas of life, I shall stand tall above the competition. Through professional pride, integrity, and teamwork, I shall be the example for all Marines to emulate.

Never shall I forget the principles I accepted to become a Recon Marine. Honor, Perseverance, Spirit and Heart.

A Recon Marine can speak without saying a word and achieve what others can only imagine.

"Swift, Silent, Deadly"

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication 1-0, "Marine Corps Operations," (HQMC, 2001)
  2. ^ FM 7-92, The Infantry Reconnaissance Platoon and Squad (Airborne, Air Assault, Light Infantry)
  3. ^ MCRP 2-1C, Marine Air-Ground Task Force Intelligence Dissemination
  4. ^ a b Pushies, Fred J (2003). "Chapter 4: Selection and Training". Marine Force Recon. Zenith Imprint. p. 61. ISBN 9780760310113.
  5. ^ a b Rogers, Patrick A. (January 2001). "Strong Men Armed". The Accurate Rifle. 4 (1). Retrieved 2008-11-14.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
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